Gregory Carroll (R&B singer) facts for kids

Gregory Carroll (born John Wayne Carroll, December 19, 1929 – January 25, 2013) was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and music producer. He was known for his smooth voice and for helping create many popular songs. Gregory was a member of famous vocal harmony groups like The Four Buddies and The Orioles. He also helped write and produce the 1963 hit song "Just One Look" for Doris Troy.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Gregory Carroll was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was one of six children in his family. While attending Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore, he formed a singing group.

This group was called The Metronomes. He started it with three school friends: Leon "Larry" Harrison, William Carter, and Vernon Palmer.

Joining The Four Buddies

The Metronomes later recorded music with famous musicians like Johnny Otis. They recorded for Savoy Records. The group changed its name first to the Four Buds, and then to The Four Buddies.

Gregory Carroll sang the second tenor voice in The Four Buddies. In 1951, the group had a big hit song called "I Will Wait." This song reached number 2 on the national R&B chart in Billboard magazine.

Singing with The Orioles

In 1953, Gregory left The Four Buddies. He then joined another popular group called The Orioles. He replaced George Nelson as the second tenor singer. Soon after he joined, The Orioles recorded their biggest hit song, "Crying in the Chapel."

"Crying in the Chapel" became a huge success. It reached number 1 on the R&B chart. It also climbed to number 11 on the main pop music chart.

Becoming a Producer and Songwriter

The Orioles group broke up in 1955. After this, Gregory Carroll became very interested in producing music. He also worked as a background singer for recording sessions in New York City.

He teamed up again with Larry Harrison to form a new vocal group called The Dappers. They signed with RCA Records in 1956. The original Dappers group split up after their first recording. Gregory then found new members for The Dappers. This new group recorded for Rainbow Records and went on tour.

Gregory then formed a duo called Greg & Peg. He sang with singer and guitarist Peggy Jones. Peggy Jones later became known as "Lady Bo" and performed with Bo Diddley. Gregory also produced a recording session with Sonny Til from The Orioles.

In the early 1960s, Gregory formed a new group called the Halos. He sang with Al Showell, Doc Wheeler, and Doris Troy. Gregory Carroll and Doris Troy worked together to write the song "Just One Look."

He made a demo record of the song with Doris Troy. This demo was first turned down by Sue Records. However, Jerry Wexler from Atlantic heard it. Atlantic Records released the song just as it was recorded. "Just One Look" became a big international hit. Doris Troy's version reached number 10 in the United States. A cover version by The Hollies reached number 2 in the United Kingdom in 1964.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Gregory Carroll continued to perform. He toured with a new version of The Orioles that included Sonny Til. From 1970 to 1987, he also performed with a group called the Ink Spots. This version of the Ink Spots was led by Jim Nabbie.

Gregory Carroll retired from music in 1994. He lived in Ashe County, North Carolina. Even after retiring, he sometimes performed at concerts. He passed away at the age of 83 in Creston, North Carolina. He was survived by his partner, two sons, three daughters (one of whom is musician Tobi Parks), and eight grandchildren.